May is Better Sleep Month: Prioritize Rest for a Healthier You
By Buffalo Medical Group | May 20 2025 | Uncategorized
Sandra Block, M.D. – Sleep Medicine- Buffalo Medical Group
Each May, Better Sleep Month serves as a reminder of how vital good sleep is to our overall health. Sleep is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Quality sleep affects everything from our mood and memory to our immune system and risk of chronic disease. Yet, many Americans struggle to get the rest they need. This month is the perfect time to build better sleep habits and consider whether hidden sleep disorders might be disrupting your nights.
Why Sleep Matters
Sleep plays a crucial role in physical and mental health. It helps the body repair itself, boosts cognitive performance, and supports emotional stability. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to heart disease, obesity, diabetes, depression, and even decreased life expectancy.
Tips for Better Sleep Habits
Improving sleep often begins with establishing a consistent bedtime routine and sticking to a regular sleep schedule—even on weekends. Here are a few proven tips:
Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol before bedtime.
Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet.
Limit screen time at least one hour before bed.
Incorporate relaxing rituals like reading, deep breathing, or meditation.
Sleep Hygiene Matters
Sleep hygiene refers to healthy habits that promote restful sleep. In addition to a bedtime routine, make sure your sleep environment is optimized:
Invest in a supportive mattress and pillow.
Minimize noise with white noise machines or earplugs.
Dim lights in the evening to signal your body it’s time to wind down.
When to Seek Help: Sleep Apnea and Other Disorders
If you’re still waking up tired despite good sleep habits, it could be time to explore medical causes. One of the most common sleep disorders is sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It can lead to poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and serious health complications.
Testing for Sleep Disorders
There are two main ways to diagnose sleep apnea and other issues:
Home sleep studies: Convenient and done in your own bed, these monitor breathing and oxygen levels.
Sleep lab studies (polysomnography): Conducted overnight in a clinical setting, these provide detailed data on brain activity, breathing, and body movements.
This Better Sleep Month, take steps to improve your rest and talk to your healthcare provider if you suspect a sleep disorder. A better night’s sleep leads to a better, healthier life.
To learn more about home sleep studies call Buffalo Medical Group at 716-857-8777 or visit BuffaloMedicalGroup.com.